What I Have Learned
Working
with children from different backgrounds requires us to take a flexible
approach to teaching. What I have planned for the day may not connect to the
students in a way that is helpful because if a cultural disconnect, difference
in vocabulary or background knowledge, or because it brings up a microaggression
I was not aware of. That’s why planning with inclusion in mind is essential,
but so also is the flexibility to modify a lesson when that disconnect or
oppression is witnessed. A goal I have moving forward from this course is to be
more intentional in my planning and implementation throughout the school year
to not just focus on teaching students reading, writing, and math, but also
broaden their ideas about the world in a meaningful way that is relevant to
their lives. When we as teachers intertwine the academics with social justice
and inclusion, we can make time for empowering advocacy.
My hope, then, is to be effective in sending students to
third grade able to stand up for one another, support each other’s learning,
and look past the surface differences to gain relationships based on that
shared desire for improving their world. I believe as a parent, I am working to
raise world-changers, and that hope extends from my own children to my
students. I want them to understand what they do at 7 and 8 years old impacts
their lives and those around them, and that they are not too young to
understand or bring about change.
Many thanks to my classmates for their insights, discussions,
and sharing their stories. I have learned much through your experiences and our
interactions. I a grateful for those who challenged me to look beyond my
limitations and explore new ideas. My hope for each of you is that continued resilience
as we take what we have learned and begin the hard work of creating change in
our professional lives. Big changes can happen with small but consistent
changes, but each change begins when we take that first step outside our comfort
zone. Thank you for pushing me to be uncomfortable, and I wish you each the
best in your journey.
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteGreat final blog. I am also a firm believer and inclusion during planning. We must be able to reach all students. I also believe that the lessons should be differentiated enough so that all levels will benefit. My take away from your blog is that you are really concerned about the welfare of your students and you will do whatever it takes to bring out the best in all of them. That is a wonderful trait to have as an anti-bias teacher.
Let me take the time now to wish you success in all that you do. I hope that the goals that you set for yourself will become reality and that you will continue to impact your students in life changing ways. It has been a pleasure interacting with you through your blogs and your discussion posts.
Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Angela Robb.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey Jessica! I enjoyed reading your blog for this week. I didn't know that you are a second grade teacher. I would like to thank you for your insights on my blogs and discussion posts. You have been a wonderful classmate and friend and I wish you good luck on your journey. C. Curry
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!!!! You are completely right you have to be flexible with your teaching. Incorporating things that will catch the children's attention will help them grasp the learning concepts.
Dominique
Dear Jessica,
ReplyDeleteyour post is so inspiring. Being second grade teacher is not easy when I compare to my position as Kindergarten teacher. Your children are able to get a lot if information because they can read and write. I cannot imagine how to face a lot of critic from them, because they are informed a lot. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Uti